Benfica defender Antonio Silva is wanted by Premier League clubs Manchester United and Liverpool but as per the rumours, the centre-back is not interested in moving to the EPL and has his heart set on a move to Real Madrid.
The 19-year-old is a product of the Benfica academy and right now, he is one of the most sought-after youngsters in European football. He made his senior debut for the club last year amidst an injury crisis and he’s quickly become a mainstay in defence. His current contract expires in 2027 and as per the rumours, there’s a massive £103.5 million release clause in his deal.
This £103.5 million is not confirmed because some rumours are also suggesting that there is actually an £85 million clause but what can be said with certainty is that there is a clause that needs to be triggered.
Manchester United are said to be monitoring the centre-back for some time and they will look to sign him in the summer because Ten Hag will have to overhaul his defence for the next season. Liverpool are another English side who are interested in signing Antonio Silva and despite the massive release clause, both these sides will go after the defender at the end of this campaign.
Will Real Madrid beat the two English sides in this transfer race?
Antonio Silva knows what he’s worth but the 19-year-old will not look to force a move out of Benfica. However, he is open to an exit and will listen to offers that come in.
This is great news for Man United and Liverpool but the reports coming out of Portugal are suggesting that Silva is not too keen to move to the Premier League and he would much rather join Real Madrid.
Madrid have not been directly linked with Antonio Silva but the Los Blancos will look to sign new defenders in the summer so they are definitely going to enquire about the youngster.
Man United and Liverpool are in more need of a young defender like Silva because players like Varane and Van Dijk are slowly losing their importance but if Real Madrid join this transfer race, there’s no way the two EPL sides will even come close.
Spending £85-100 million shouldn’t be a problem for United or even Liverpool but the centre-back does not want to play in England which is why these two sides will always be on the back foot.
